Knicks’ Josh Hart Cited as “Most Likely” to be Traded This Summer

With Tom Thibodeau no longer leading the charge for the New York Knicks, the current roster could be set to change. A new head coach will bring fresh ideas, and with them, the potential need for fresh faces.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that if the Knicks do decide to enter the trade market, Josh Hart would be the most likely makeweight.

“If the New York Knicks are going to do anything substantial this offseason, it will require parting with one of their top six players,” Favale wrote. “Process of elimination narrows it down to Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson…Hart wins out over Robinson because he’s making $6.5 million more ($19.5 million versus $13 million), but also because he’s less of an anomaly. Nobody else on the roster brings Robinson’s combination of size, interior deterrence, offensive rebounding and (when healthy) mobility.”

Hart has been a fan favorite since arriving in New York. However, he was very much a Thibodeau-style player. If the new head coach doesn’t think he will fit within their system, there will be a strong trade market for his services.

In his 77 games this past season, Hart averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He shot 52.5% from the field and 33.3% from deep.

Knicks Hold Interest in Jaren Jackson Jr.

According to ClutchPoints’ Kris Pursiainen, New York holds an interest in Jaren Jackson Jr. and could flip Mikal Bridges as part of a potential trade.

“Sources familiar with the situation tell ClutchPoints that at least one key member of the Knicks’ front office has long been interested in Jackson Jr. as a trade target,” Pursiainen wrote on June 16. “The Knicks’ acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns last offseason didn’t nullify this interest, either. League sources say that a Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns frontcourt would be a ‘dream’ pairing for New York in their starting lineup.”

Jackson Jr. is a former Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also a two-time All-Defense First Team selection. Pairing him with Karl-Anthony Towns would give the Knicks a more dynamic version of whath the Minnesota Timberwolves had with Towns and Rudy Gobert.

Knicks Should Hire Mike Malone

Before New York can make any decisions regarding potential trades, it must hire a new head coach. Former Knicks center DeAndre Jordan believes the franchise should target Mike Malone.

“It would make sense,” Jordan said via FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” “Being up there from New York area and that swagger, that competitive nature that he has paired up with those guys could be a really good situation.  I think he’s a breath of fresh air at times. And, I guess that’s what those guys need right now in the moment. He’s proven he can win a championship, especially with good players in the system…I think they could really do something. Especially with him being the best coach out there that they can actually hire.”

Malone, a championship-winning head coach, would implement a fresh system and enhance the current rotation. Yet, oddly, no one has connected him to the Knicks’ coaching vacancy.

Knicks fans must wait for a new coach’s hiring before pursuing potential trades.